Did Abolishing Negative Gearing Push Up Rents? – ABC Fact Check

ABC Fact Check investigates whether abolishing negative gearing in 1985 caused rents to surge. During the period negative gearing was abolished rents notably increased only in Sydney and Perth. Other factors, including high interest rates and the share market boom, were also contributors to rent increases at the time. As property prices continue to rise … Continue reading “Did Abolishing Negative Gearing Push Up Rents? – ABC Fact Check”

Overseas Money Powering New Residential Development – ANZ

In a report released by ANZ today they say that while the Australian economy looks to the non-mining sector to drive economic growth in the shadows of rapidly slowing mining construction, strong residential building has provided a flicker of hope. Lower interest rates have eased housing affordability constraints and provided some stimulus to the cyclical … Continue reading “Overseas Money Powering New Residential Development – ANZ”

All of Australia’s Five Major Metropolitan Areas Were Severely Unaffordable – Demographia

The latest housing affordability survey from Demographia has been released. Using data from Q3 2014, they conclude that in Australia, for the 11th year in a row all of Australia’s five major metropolitan areas were severely unaffordable. The latest survey also highlights the divergent trends in Australia’s main urban centres, and other parts of the … Continue reading “All of Australia’s Five Major Metropolitan Areas Were Severely Unaffordable – Demographia”

Why Enticing First Time Buyers With Super Is A Bad Idea

We know that first time buyers are sitting on the sidelines, as shown in our recent surveys. The biggest barrier is price. Many are desperate to enter the market and would jump at any additional incentive. No surprise then to see proposals popping up from time to time to try and assist first time buyers. … Continue reading “Why Enticing First Time Buyers With Super Is A Bad Idea”

Now Property Is Costing New Zealanders Every Day!

In New Zealand, the tightening rate cycle which is currently in full swing – with more to come, is crushing the housing market, as illustrated by the August 2022 QV House Price Index for August which was released today. The average house value in New Zealand had fallen by some $89,917 to the end of … Continue reading “Now Property Is Costing New Zealanders Every Day!”

The One Million Vacant Homes Question…

The recent release of 2021 Census data revealed a shocking “one million homes were unoccupied”. This statistic sent housing commentators, government agencies and policymakers into a spin. At a time of significant housing shortages, this extra million homes would surely make a big difference. They could provide housing for some homeless, ease the rental affordability … Continue reading “The One Million Vacant Homes Question…”

What New Zealand Can Teach Us…

Economists, by nature or nurture, are like living and breathing versions of the Picasso paintings that show both sides of a solitary image. So well-known is their use of the phrase “on one hand … but on the other hand,” that President Harry Truman once famously asked for a one-armed economist to provide him with … Continue reading “What New Zealand Can Teach Us…”

Annual NZ House Prices Fall For The First Time Since 2011!

The REINZ released their July 2022 data and it tells a continuing story of a weaker market as activity and prices continue to ease and New Zealand house prices falling in July with the median price recording its first annual fall since 2011. The seasonally adjusted median nationwide house value in July fell 2.8% compared … Continue reading “Annual NZ House Prices Fall For The First Time Since 2011!”

The Big Lie About First Homeowner Grants…

In recent years we have seen a swathe of “initiatives” from state and federal governments with the aim to encouraging and helping more first-time buyers into the housing market. The previous Government claimed they had helped “hundreds of thousands” into the property market. The latest ABS statistics shows that the number of First Time Buyers … Continue reading “The Big Lie About First Homeowner Grants…”